WHAT IS KOREAN SKINCARE / K-BEAUTY?
Korean beauty products embody the country's distinct skincare philosophy, which prioritises long-term results, gentle nourishment, and customisation. Unlike quick-fix products that promise overnight results, Korean beauty focuses on gradual, sustained improvement. This approach recognises that skin health is a marathon, not a sprint. By consistently nurturing your skin with personalised care, you can achieve lasting results and a radiant, lit-from-within glow.
Korean beauty products are designed to work synergistically, with a focus on hydration, nourishment, and gentle exfoliation. Essences, serums, ampoules, and masks are just a few examples of the diverse range of products available. These products allow for customisation and flexibility, enabling you to tailor your routine to your unique skin type and concerns. At the heart of Korean beauty is a deep understanding of individual skin types and needs. By paying attention to how your skin responds to different ingredients and products, you can develop a personalised skincare routine that truly works for you.
Korean beauty ingredients are renowned for their innovation and natural inspiration. From snail mucin to marine-derived microneedles, Korean beauty products often feature unique, effective ingredients that set them apart from other skincare lines. By embracing the Korean beauty philosophy, you can unlock a deeper understanding of your skin and develop a tailored skincare routine that yields lasting, radiant results!
KOREAN 10-STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE


The Korean skincare routine is often misunderstood as a rigid 10-step process. In reality, it can be tailored to individual skin types and concerns, ranging from 5 to 15 steps. The "10-step routine" is more of a metaphor, highlighting the layered and nuanced approach that Korean skincare is known for.
This multilayered routine is designed to be gentle, effective, and long-term focused. Here's a breakdown of what this routine typically entails:
1. Double Cleanse (step 1): Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove oil-based impurities
2. Double Cleanse (step 2): Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to cleanse and purify the skin.
3. Exfoliate: Incorporate an exfoliator as needed to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
4. Hydrate: Apply a hydrating toner to balance the skin's pH and kick-start hydration.
5. Essence: Use an essence to amplify hydration and deliver active ingredients deep into the skin.

6. Targeted Treatments: Customise your routine with face oils, serums, and ampoules that address specific skin concerns, such as acne, aging, or hyperpigmentation.
7. Masking: Incorporate sheet masks or hydrating masks to provide an intense dose of hydration and nourishment.
8. Eye Care: Apply an eye cream to target delicate skin around the eyes.
9. Moisturise: Seal in previous steps with a moisturiser that provides long-lasting hydration and protection.
10. Sun Protection: Finish your morning routine with a sunscreen to shield your skin from environmental stressors and UV damage
Korea's multilayered skincare approach has been a staple since the 1960s. However, this is evolving with innovative beauty brands developing multitasking products that combine the effectiveness of multiple steps into one, such as serum-moisturiser hybrids, marking a new era in skincare efficiency.
The above is a guide only, you should always apply products in order of consistency, starting with the thinnest texture and progressing to the thickest, to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness.




KEY STEPS IN THE KOREAN SKINCARE ROUTINE...
Double Cleansing: A two-step cleansing process that starts with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser.
Essence: A concentrated serum-like product that delivers active ingredients deep into the skin, promoting hydration, brightening, and anti-aging.
Ampoule: A highly concentrated serum that targets specific skin concerns, such as acne, aging, or hyperpigmentation.
Sheet Masking: A key step in Korean skincare, sheet masks provide an intense dose of hydration, nourishment, and brightening.
Exfoliation with Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Korean skincare often incorporates AHAs and BHAs to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin.
Sunscreen as a Lasting Step: In Korean skincare, sunscreen is applied as the final step in the morning routine, providing long-lasting protection against UV damage and environmental stressors.
COMMON K-BEAUTY MISCONCEPTIONS
1. YOU NEED TO DO ALL 10 STEPS TO ACHIEVE RADIANT, GLOWING SKIN.
This is simply NOT true. The routine is customisable to your individual skin type and concerns. You can tailor it to your needs, doing as few or as many steps as necessary. Consistency is key, so find a routine that works for you and stick to it!
2. KOREAN BEAUTY PRODUCTS CATER EXCLUSIVELY TO ASIAN SKIN TYPES.
Again, this is simply NOT true. Regardless of your background, skin type is universal. Korean skincare products cater to various skin concerns, such as dryness, sensitivity, acne, oiliness, and more. Since Koreans experience the same skin issues as people worldwide, their products are designed to promote healthy skin and address common concerns like acne, dehydration, redness, wrinkles, and others.
3. IF YOU USE ANTI-AGING PRODUCTS TOO EARLY IN LIFE, YOU WILL AGE FASTER.
This statement is entirely FALSE. While it's true that using overly harsh ingredients can be detrimental to skin health, this applies broadly to all skincare products, not just anti-aging ones. For instance, acne treatments for teenagers can also be too harsh if not chosen carefully. As long as you select products suitable for your skin type, adopting a preventative skincare routine early on can greatly benefit your skin's long-term health. Preventing premature aging and UV damage is far easier than reversing existing damage.
4. YOU ONLY NEED TO USE SPF ON SUNNY DAYS.
Using SPF daily is a crucial investment in your skin's health. Many people mistakenly believe that cloudy days or indoor work excuse them from applying sunscreen. However, UV rays can pass through clouds and windows, causing unseen damage. Failing to protect our skin from the sun can lead to premature aging and potentially irreversible harm. Make daily SPF application a habit, and you'll reap the rewards in the years to come.
In addition to UV rays, another hidden culprit of skin damage is blue light, which is emitted by smartphones, computers, and televisions. Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to skin cells, leading to premature aging, dark spots, and dullness. Not all sunscreens offer protection against blue light, but some physical sunscreens do. Look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these ingredients are more effective at blocking blue light compared to chemical sunscreens.
POPULAR KOREAN SKIN TRENDS
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GLASS SKIN
"Glass skin" is a popular Korean beauty term that refers to a smooth, luminous, and translucent complexion that resembles glass. It's characterized by:
- A clear and even skin tone
- A smooth, poreless texture
- A radiant, dewy glow
- A translucent quality, as if the skin is "lit from within"
Achieving glass skin requires a consistent skincare routine, a healthy lifestyle, and a combination of products that address concerns like hydration, brightening, and texture. -
DUMPLING SKIN
"Dumpling skin" is a term that's gained popularity on social media, particularly on TikTok!
Dumpling skin refers to a specific skin texture that's characterized by:
- A plump, pillowy appearance
- A soft, smooth, and slightly bouncy feel
- A subtle sheen or glow
The term "dumpling skin" comes from the idea that the skin looks and feels like a freshly steamed dumpling - soft, plump, and slightly shiny! -
HONEY SKIN
"Honey skin" refers to a skin type that's characterized by:
- A warm, golden glow
- A smooth, even texture
- A hydrated and plump appearance
- A subtle shine, similar to the sheen of honey
Honey skin is often associated with a healthy, radiant complexion that looks lit from within. It's achieved through a combination of good skincare habits, a balanced lifestyle, and a diet rich in nutrients. In Korean beauty standards, "Honey Skin" represents a perfect balance of hydration, brightness, and texture.